Buckeyes freshman running back James Peoples loses black stripe
COLUMBUS — Ohio State freshman tailback James Peoples said earlier this week that if he’s called upon to play this season for the Buckeyes, he’ll be ready.
He took a big step forward on his way to having a role in the running back room on Friday, shedding his black stripe to become an official member of the football program.
Peoples is one of two Buckeyes freshmen to lose the black stripe Friday; he was joined by freshman defensive end Eddrick Houston. Freshman safety Jaylen McClain lost his black stripe on Wednesday after practice.
As for Peoples, he has a big season ahead of him as the potential No. 3 running back on the depth chart behind senior TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins.
Peoples believes he will be ready for action this fall for Ohio State — in whatever role he’s needed.
“I feel like if they call my number, I’ll definitely be ready,” said Peoples. “And the more we go through fall camp, that just gets me more and more ready for whenever my number is called. … I’ll definitely be ready. I came here to play, yes sir.”
Now he’s one step closer to being ready for game action. His black stripe is off, and he’s ready to earn a role in this loaded Buckeyes backfield.
More on Eddrick Houston…
Ohio State is adding another member to the Rushmen — in an official capacity this time. Freshman defensive end Eddrick Houston shed his black stripe after practice on Friday, officially becoming a part of the Buckeyes football program.
Houston has impressed so far during his first offseason on campus ahead of his freshman campaign.
More on McClain losing his black stripe…
Ohio State freshman safety Jaylen McClain, an early standout during the first few days of training camp, shed his black stripe after Buckeyes practice on Wednesday. That stripe removal signals that he’s officially a member of the football program and has been wowing coaches in practice.
McClain had already impressed in bursts during spring ball back in March and April. But he carried that into the offseason that was filled with workouts and now has continued to be a factor early in training camp.
Lettermen Row even noted McClain in each of our ‘observation notebooks’ when we were permitted to watch Buckeyes practice last weekend. He caught our staff’s eye in each session.
